Browsed by
Tag: Stan Swamy

Release BK15 and all Political Prisoners / Protest & Solidarity: Dhanbad – Bangalore – Varanasi – Bhilai – Pune

Release BK15 and all Political Prisoners / Protest & Solidarity: Dhanbad – Bangalore – Varanasi – Bhilai – Pune

Pan-India movement call by Shahid Father Stan Swamy Nyayik Sangarsh Morcha

14/07/2021

The Telegraph / by Animesh Bisoee

The morcha has held discussions with the Aituc, Intuc, SFI and social organisations for an all-India coordination committee
Trade unions, farmer unions, student unions and social organisations protesting against the death of Father Stan Swamy in judicial custody will form a coordination committee to submit memoranda to governors of different states for the repeal of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and release of rights activists arrested under the anti-terror law on allegedly flimsy grounds.
Read more

Bangalore, July 14

Varanasi demands justice for Fr Stan Swamy

13/07/2021

Sabrangindia / by Sabrangindia

In memory of Fr Stan, Varanasi demands release of Bhima-Koregaon accused and other political prisoners
The Samiksha Sanskrit Manch, a Varanasi-based citizens’ group has demanded the release of those arrested under draconian laws.The demand was made during a tribute meeting and candle march organised on July 12, 2021 in memory of Adivasi rights activist and Jesuit priest Fr. Stan Swamy.
Read more

Bhilai, July 13

By Progressive Writers Association, PUCL, AITUC, ACTU, TUCI, Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha Mazdoor Karyakarta Samiti, Mahila Mukti Morcha & Rela among others

Release Political Prisoners: CJP to Maharashtra CM

13/07/2021

By Citizens for Justice and Peace

In wake of Fr. Stan’s passing, CJP appeals for release of remaining Bhima Koregaon accused.
Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) has once again written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urging him to consider recommending to the high-power committee, that the remaining accused in the Bhima Koregaon case be released on interim bail. There are still 14 people languishing in jail after Fr. Stan Swamy passed away and Varavara Rao was released on medical grounds.
Read more

NIA, NHRC, Modi govt and judicial system executed plot against Stan Swamy: Maoists

13/07/2021

The New Indian Express / by Mukesh Ranjan

The CPI (Maoists) has demanded immediate release of all the activists lodged in jail in Bhima Koregaon case.
The Maoists on Tuesday alleged that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) framed Stan Swamy in a fake case and demanded immediate release of all the activists lodged in jail in the Bhima Koregaon case.
The CPI (Maoists) also demanded the withdrawal of all the cases filed against them and appealed to the writers, artists, singers, lawyers, and democratic intelligentsia to support them.
Read more

Murder by the system: Cops, activists launch into verbal clashes at protest site

13/07/2021

The Indian Express / by Express News Service

Claiming that Swamy’s death was “murder by the system”, and that he was treated inhumanly after his arrest, activists gathered under the banner of ‘Bhima Koregaon Shauryadin Prerna Abhiyaan’ and staged a protest.
Heated arguments broke out between police and activists gathered at the Pune district collectorate during a protest on Monday against the death of Father Stan Swamy, an accused in the Elgaar Parishad case.
Read more

London, July 10

South Asia Solidarity in London, outside the High Comm of India.
Stan Swamy was ‘killed’, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut attacks Modi govt / Stan, UAPA and the Performative Solidarity of Politicians

Stan Swamy was ‘killed’, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut attacks Modi govt / Stan, UAPA and the Performative Solidarity of Politicians


Drawing by Arun Freirra

Stan Swamy was ‘killed’, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut attacks Modi govt over activist’s death

11/07/2021

The Indian Express / by Vishwas Waghmode

A government that is scared of an 84-year-old man is dictatorial in attitude but weak in the heart like Hitler’s and Mussolini’s, said Raut in his weekly column in party mouthpiece Saamana.
Hitting out at the Union government over the death of Father Stan Swamy, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the tribal-rights activist was “killed” in jail. The Sena MP further asked whether the country’s foundations were so weak that an 84-year-old man could overthrow the Narendra Modi government, equating it with the ones of Hitler and Mussolini.
Read more

Shiv Sena asks Centre if Father Stan Swamy was capable of overthrowing state

11/07/2021

Hindustan Times / by Naresh Kamath

Raut said that while the prominent activists arrested in the Bhima Koregaon case were guilty of provocative speeches before the violence on January 2, it required investigation to prove if they were actually conspiring against the nation.
Read more

Father Stan, UAPA and the Performative Solidarity of Politicians

10/07/2021

The Wire / by Farah Naqvi

For politicians expressing anguish and outrage in this moment of injustice, the best tribute would be to do what Fr. Stan Swamy did his entire life.
“Stan Smith (84) passes away. The system sucks. UAPA. No bail. Little hope of early trial. Others too languish in jail. Lawyers , Academics , Social Activists ….raise their voices for the voiceless. They too are now “voiceless”. The State calls them “ terrorists,” Kapil Sibal, Congress MP, tweeted on July 5, 2021.
Sibal got the name wrong. And he forgot to say sorry. For this casual disrespect to a martyr for democracy, even before dust had settled on his grave. He also forgot to say sorry for his own role in giving India the dark gift of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) that finally killed Fr. Stan Swamy. The gift that keeps on giving.
Read more

His Death is Just a Statistic for Them: Anand Grover

10/07/2021

The Citizen / by The Citizen Bureau

‘In other countries if one is wrongly prosecuted they can sue the police or the government’
Senior advocate Anand Grover has represented poet Varavara Rao and professor Shoma Sen imprisoned without trial since 2018 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in charges including a police-alleged plot to assassinate PM Narendra Modi.

Your reaction to Stan Swamy’s death?
It is a failure of the whole criminal justice system.
Read more

Magisterial inquiry to be conducted into death of Father Stan Swamy

Magisterial inquiry to be conducted into death of Father Stan Swamy

The Indian Express / by Mohamed Thaver

The 83-year-old Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Elgaar Parishad case on October 8, 2020, died in judicial custody while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
A magisterial inquiry will be conducted into the death of Father Stan Swamy, who passed away at the Holy Family hospital in Mumbai’s Bandra on Monday, officials of the Maharashtra prison department said.
Read more

Rage and Mourn in Response to Father Stan Swamy Death

Rage and Mourn in Response to Father Stan Swamy Death

BR Ambedkar’s granddaughter Rama Ambedkar demands release of all political prisoners

08/07/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

‘Those involved in the Bhima Koregaon case are facing fabricated charges and being called Naxalites, but they work for the poor, just like Father Stan.’
Read more

Stan Swamy Murder Has Lit A Spark Turning Into A Prairie Fire In Challenging Proto-Fascism

08/07/2021

Countercurrents.org / by Harsh Thakor

It is most heartening how the masses of India are not taking the custodial murder of Father Stan Swamy lying down. We must congratulate all the sections be it of the workers, peasants, youth or students who have collectively galvanised forces to crystallise resistance against neo-fascism. A spark is virtually being turned into a Prairie fire. In the last few days a spurt of qualitative protests has taken place in Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and all around the country.
Read more

Rage and Mourn: Protests Across the Country in Response to Father Stan Swamy Death

07/07/2021

Gaurilankeshnews.com / by Gauri Lankesh News Desk

BK undertrials have demanded a judicial inquiry in the institutional murder of Fr. Stan Swamy and that the Taloja jail superintendent Kaustubh Kurlekar
With the news of the demise of tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy on 5th July, under judicial custody in the Elgar Parishad case, masses all across the country, as well as many rights defenders globally, have expressed grief and anguish at the Modi regime for its murderous hounding of those who have been resisting its fascist rule. Following the funeral of Fr. Swamy which was live-streamed on YouTube for his family and well-wishers to witness, protests have erupted throughout the country.
Read more

Those Jailed In Bhima Koregaon Case Be Released: Opposition Leaders To President

06/07/2021

By The Leaflet (July 6)

Opposition leaders write to the President expressing outrage at the death in custody of Fr #StanSwamy. Say all those jailed in the Bhima Koregaon case as well as other political detenues who have been jailed for sedition under draconian laws like UAPA must be released forthwith.

Click to enlarge

Press Briefing by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

06/07/2021

By Liz Throssell, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Press briefing notes on India
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Liz Throssell
Location: Geneva
Date: 6 July 2021
We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the death of 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy, a human rights defender and Jesuit priest, in Mumbai yesterday, following his arrest in October 2020 under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Father Stan had been held in pre-trial detention without bail since his arrest, charged with terrorism-related offences in relation to demonstrations that date back to 2018. He was a long-standing activist, particularly on the rights of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. While in Mumbai’s Taloja Central Jail, his health deteriorated and he reportedly contracted COVID-19. His repeated applications for bail were rejected. He died as the Bombay High Court was considering an appeal against the rejection of his bail application.
Read full statement

Stan Swamy: India outrage over death of jailed activist

06/07/2021

BBC / by BBC

Thousands of activists, political leaders and Indian citizens have taken to social media to pay tributes to jailed tribal rights activist Stan Swamy who died at the age of 84.
Many also expressed anger at the way he was jailed during Covid-19 and repeatedly denied bail.
Read more

Native village in Tiruchy grieves Stan Swamy’s demise

06/07/2021

The New Indian Express / by Jayakumar Madala

Scores of vehicles started arriving at Virugallur village in Tiruchy, moments after news of Fr Stan Swamy’s death broke in the media. People from near and far descended in the 84-year-old priest’s native village to express their condolences.
“He was a humble man who dedicated a lifetime to the welfare of tribal people,” said Swamy’s brother TPL Irudayaswamy (89).
Read more

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bhilai

Panjim

Chandigarh

Ranchi

• • •

We are ruled by fiends – The have put a curse upon this land

07/07/2021

Newslaundry / by Arundhati Roy

The excruciating, slow-motion, custodial murder of 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy, a Jesuit priest who spent decades of his life in the service of India’s dispossessed, took place in the show window of our democracy. Our judiciary, police, intelligence services, and prison system are responsible. Our mainstream media too. All of them were aware of the case, and of his failing health. And yet he continued to be ground down.
Read more

10 BK undertrials hold hunger strike

10 BK undertrials hold hunger strike

10 Bhima Koregaon case accused demand judicial inquiry into Stan Swamy’s death, hold hunger strike

07/07/2021

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

They blamed the National Investigation Agency and Taloja Jail’s former superintendent for the death of the tribal rights activist.
Ten accused in the Bhima Koregaon case on Wednesday went on a day-long hunger strike to protest against the “institutional murder” of tribal rights activist Stan Swamy, reported PTI. They also demanded a judicial inquiry into the activist’s death.
Read more

Statement by family members and friends of the BK16: The Institutional Murder of Fr. Stan Swamy

Statement by family members and friends of the BK16: The Institutional Murder of Fr. Stan Swamy

By family members and friends of the BK16

We, the friends and family members of those accused in the Bhima Koregaon Conspiracy case, are deeply pained and shaken to the core by the loss of Father Stan Swamy.  This is not a natural death, but the institutional murder of a gentle soul, committed by an inhuman state.  Having spent his life amongst the Adivasis in Jharkhand, fighting for their right to resources and lands, Father Stan did not deserve to die in this manner, far from his beloved Jharkhand, falsely imprisoned by a vindictive state. …

Read More Read More

Video: Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy // Online Condolences Meeting: #RIP Stan

Video: Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy // Online Condolences Meeting: #RIP Stan

Video: Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy

06/07/2021

By St Peter’s Church

Memorial mass for Father Stan Swamy at St Peter’s Church in Bandra today.

en | 1h57min | 2021
Watch here

St Peter’s Church in Bandra

Video: Online Condolences Meeting #RIP Stan

05/07/2021

en | 2h 38min | 2021
Watch video @ Youtube Indian Social Institute

Stan Swamy – Salutes to an extraordinary rights fighter! / Video: What Stan Swamy said before arrest

Stan Swamy – Salutes to an extraordinary rights fighter! / Video: What Stan Swamy said before arrest

Video: What Stan Swamy said before arrest by NIA


en | 7:50min | 2020
Watch video

Fr. Stan is dead! Salutes to an extraordinary rights fighter!

05/07/2021

By People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

PUCL is extremely saddened and anguished by the death of Fr. Stan Swamy today, 5th July, 2021 in the Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, where he was undertaking treatment pursuant to an interim order of the Bombay High Court in his bail petition in the Bhima Koregaon case. What is most tragic is that even as the High Court Division Bench had started hearing the bail petition, news trickled in that he had passed away.
Read full statement

Fr. Stan Swamy was a defender of human rights giving hope to thousands of Dalits and Adivasis

05/07/2021

The Leaflet / by Joseph Xavier SJ and Harshita

Human rights activist Fr. Stan Swamy passed away in hospital waiting endlessly for medical bail. He was in jail since last year in the Bhima Koregaon case. Dr. Joseph Xavier SJ and Harshita write about the colourful journey of Fr. Stan Swamy in empowering thousands of Dalits and Adivasis and raising their concerns about justice and displacement.
Read more

Fr Stan Swamy’s institutional murder

05/07/2021

Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) / by Teesta Setalvad

Poor health conditions in Taloja prison amidst a raging Covid-19 pandemic, lies fabricated by the authorities, valiant efforts by the Jesuit-Human Rights Community and advocates like Mihir Desai and Krithika, form the vicious cycle witnessed closely by some of us in the tragic case of our beloved Father Stan Swamy (and other fellow inmates) over past months.
Read full statement

Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha: Mahasabha pays its tribute to Stan Swamy, who passed away today. His principles have been a source of inspiration for us and will continue to remain so. Stan lives on in our struggles and memories. His life and work in the thread.

NAPM India (July 5):
NAPM joins every justice loving person across the globe mourning the departure of human rights defender #StanSwamy and vows to continue the struggle for holding the criminal State accountable for this institutional murder. Enough is Enough.
#FreeBK16 #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners

Mary Lawlor UN Special Rapporteur HRDs (July 5):
The news from #India today is devastating. Human Rights Defender & Jesuit priest Fr Stan Swamy has died in custody, nine months after his arrest on false charges of terrorism. Jailing HRDs is inexcusable. He explains his work here +++

Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for HR (July 4):
I share the concern expressed by the UN Special Rapporteur, Mary Lawlor, about the health and continuing detention of Fr Stan Swamy, whose case the EU has been raising with the Indian authorities +++

SJES Rome (July 5): We are deeply saddened to learn about Fr. Stan Swamy passing away. His life was meaningful and his legacy of this commitment for the rights of the indigenous people will remain. RIP +++

Activists, opposition call out ‘custodial murder’ of Stan Swamy

05/07/2021

Hindustan Times / by Deepali Sharma

Rights activist Shabnam Hashmi called Stan Swamy’s death “custodial murder” and said that the government has to be held accountable.
The death of the 84-year-old activist Stan Swamy on Monday amid his fight for bail on the grounds of health issues sparked off intense responses on social media from political leaders, activists, journalists, intellectuals among others.
Read more

Killing Him Softly With His Song: A Requiem for Father Stan Swamy

05/07/2021

The Wire / by Madan B. Lokur

The entire episode leaves behind a feeling that Stan Swamy was virtually thrust a sentence of death without charges being framed against him and without a trial.
Certain events occurred on January 1, 2018 in Bhima-Koregaon which led to the lodging of an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sedition. After investigation, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were added. A charge sheet was first filed against some accused persons on November 15, 2018 and a second or supplementary charge sheet was filed against some more accused persons on February 21, 2019.
In the meanwhile, the Maharashtra Police investigating the case searched the residence and office of Stan Swamy in Ranchi on August 28, 2018.
Read more

Father Stan Swamy Passes Away Ahead Of His Bail Hearing / Lawyer Demands Judicial Inquiry

Father Stan Swamy Passes Away Ahead Of His Bail Hearing / Lawyer Demands Judicial Inquiry

Father Stan Swamy Passes Away Ahead Of His Bail Hearing In Bombay High Court

05/07/2021

Live Law / by Sharmeen Hakim

Octogenarian tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy, an undertrial prisoner in the Bhima Koregaon case, passed away today at 1.30 PM, a month after he was admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai, following court’s orders.
This fact was told by Swamy’s counsel to the Bombay High Court, which was hearing his application for bail on medical grounds.
Read more

Stan Swamy Passes Away After Contracting COVID-19 in Jail, Lawyer Demands Judicial Inquiry

05/07/2021

The Wire / by The Wire Staff

The 84-year-old tribal rights activist had been seriously ill since May, but was moved to a private hospital only after the high court intervened.
Jesuit priest and tribal rights activists Stan Swamy passed away on Monday afternoon, two days after he was placed on ventilator support in Mumbai’s Holy Family Hospital. Swamy had tested positive for COVID-19 and was shifted out of the Taloja central prison to a private hospital over a month ago.
Read more